Swap Spoliage with Friday Yarn PrOn too!

Oh my!! I feel so spoiled for sure! Zonda and myself have swapped a few times in the past, and this last one is the icing on the cake let me tell you!! I just love this woman! I was so envious of her and other too getting themselves organized and every time I was I kept outgrowing everything even a tackle toolbox!
the swap was I knit her a couple pairs of socks and she's help me get more organized and sew for me and one of my SP! I was in no rush for my stuff just the SP I needed right away which she sent directly to my overseas SP! What a sweetheart! I went ahead and knit her 3 pairs for the special help

here's some before and after pictures
some (not all) before
the tool box of needles & notions, which I'll still use but not for needles

then there's the overflow of needles in a basket, I know I have more somewhere

then crochet hooks (I actually have 2 zip lock bags of these about the same amount

not to mentions a few here and there around the house...

Ok back to the swap stuff!

here we have 2 items up first both for needles, I absolutely LOVE this material, the material is thick & heavy so I can't call them needles rolls.....She did such a nice nice job on them too

here's some after photos
one I fit lots of DPNs, straights and a ton of crochet hooks in the last 2 slots
each slot is tripled.. She seen some photos of my stuff!!! It's approx 25" lengthwise

this one has 8 doubled pockets for circs approx 30" lengthwise

This was a bonus, a beautiful large tote

see inside is very roomy and with a couple very deep pockets

Her famous Fish Bag! I tried going for a 3D look see the fins and on both sides there actually pockets

To my surprise was a skein of Sunshine Yarn by Dani inside the fish bag!

Color 'Welsh Green Dragon'

see all it's beauty, I can see what allthe talk is about this lovely yarn!!

Thank you so much Zonda for introducing me to such nice yarn! It's so soft & cuddly I'm looking forward to knitting up some for to cuddle my very cold feet! ;o)

she just finds the cutest little things, isn't this the most adorable note pad, the paper even has lines on it too!


Thank you so much Zonda for all your help in getting me organized! I'm loving everything!

Shocker New Phone!

Yes this is a shock for everyone who knows me, YIKES!!

WAIT now

Please don't fall off your chairs~!


IT's a PINK phone! Yes I know Pink!
I know so out of character for me but look it's cute!
I gave up my Nextel for this, I sure hope it's worth it and 100 less anytime minutes ... YIKES! but free calling from mobile to mobile who have sprint or nextel to make up for it...

not quite 1/2 inch in width too!

look how tiny it is......

and it only weighs about 95grams my scale isn't sitting exactly flat here.... It's so light~!


Such a deal it was way to hard to resist, picture in picture phone with all kids of fun stuff, my daughter loves pink and she really needed a new phone for Christmas, who could pass up the buy one get one free offer?? I have 60 or 90 days to decide if I want to keep it or exchange for a different color or model... I did add the insurance to this phone for sure, I'm so used to my nextel I'm afarid I might break this one...
hmmm Whats a gal to do?

Christmas Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends

Christmas Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends

Welcome to the 2006 Christmas Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends! You know the drill. Highlight, copy, and paste (not forward) and change my answers to your answers. Be sure to send back to me. Enjoy!!

Everyone has time for a few moments of fun! Don't be a scrooge!!!Come on! I want to be a scrooge sometimes, children can be so ungrateful sometimes or greedy!!

NAME: Michelle F

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? wrapped have kids can't even put them under the tree until Christmas eve

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? love the all white look but since having another family do colored on tree and white outside or elsewhere

4. Do you hang mistletoe? no

5. When do you put your decorations up? the later the better the past couple years mid Dec

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? excluding dessert, so not fair, favorite part! SO I have to say lasagna
hmm mimosa's count?

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: hmm not to many good memories, I got coal and had to sit and watch my younger brother open all kinds of stuff!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? truth? what are you talking about?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? used to but not any more unless it's from a visitor and they insist

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? with minimal decorations to keep the cat & kids from causing trouble.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? It's pretty at first the untouched snow which I love it but really come to hate it very quickly!

12. Can you ice skate? yes but haven't in a while, but try to at least once during the season

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? hmm depends when and from who?

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? taping the cards on the inside of the front door on a card wreath and reading pretty cards from family and friends which seem to be less and less each year, but driving around looking at al the decorated houses is fun once a year anyways. Finding gifts for others is right up there too!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? kaula cake and everything else, we went to a Holiday wedding over the weekend, and they had candy out very festive and yummy!! The peppermint bark , dark/white cholate with crushed candy canes.. ohhh YUM!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? use to take down decorations on
Christmas day until the younger kids came along

17. What tops your tree? angel

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Definitely, giving! especially those fun or knitted gifts; it's great seeing peoples reaction?

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? silent night

20. Candy Canes... Yuck or Yum? Yum! and yuck, depends

Desperately Searching For........................

you know those kids hats that a PITA to tie or should I say keep tied, I'm desperately searching for the pattern that just slips over toddlers heads without ties covers their ears head & chin.
I like it's a vintage pattern, but not sure. Wish they;'d come back

Does anyone have one that'd like to swap, sell copy or link to one somewhere.
I can't remember the exact name and am at a loss. Really need to knit some ASAP!

Finally Panda Cotton by Crystal Palace Yarns

Without further ado! Here's what you've been waiting for.

This yarn is gorgeous to look at, feels like nothing I've ever felt. You can feel the cotton but yet you can't. I especially like the way to colors blend. Perfect Stretch.

Details
55% Bamboo
24% Cotton
21% Elastic Nylon

Handwash or machine wash with cool water on Gentle cycle. Dry Flat (I hang mine with clips of a hanger)
6-8 sts per inch/24-28 sts/10cm
1-2.5 US Needles
2.25mm-3mm
170 yds/50gr
157m/50gr

Color 0439 Night Lights



very minor pooling effect at the beginning of the gussets otherwise they knit perfectly, not knots!! No splitting either!Yeah!


Perfect cast on

so very comfey


close up of pattern


I used RPM pattern by sock prOn
on size 1 US needles, the large size and knit to fit a US size 8
I think it was the perfect match for the yarn with a little leftover from each ball
I do recommend using a sparper pointed needles
very smooth knitting all the way around!
Thank you for the opportunity to be amoung the first to play with it! I would definately use again!

Look for them sometime next month!

Little Tease of New Socks!

Ok I thought I'd give you a little tease of these socks...heeheee
Check back tomorrow for more details and photos

Spicy Cranberry Nut Bread

Remember the nuts are optional on this...

Please stop over here and vote for me this month when you have a minute!

New Panda Cotton by Crystal Palace Yarns

This is a fabulous replacement sock yarn for those who want to knit with all plant fibers...
Check this out 55% Bamboo, 24% Cotton & 21% Elastic Nylon! Each skein is perfectly would throughout the entire skein too.

want a little closer view here....

Even a bit closer inside a skein Check out all the vibrant colors! They blend so well together too.

of course the black is dominant but just wait

to you see how it knit up!

Be back with more photos of this gorgeous yarn!

Hurry! Get your Entries & orders in before the Holiday Rush!

Friendly Sock Compilation, Vol II: A-Z and more

Designers: Debra Barker, Debra Chinn, Michelle Fischer,
Bonnie Franz, Kathy Nehrenz, Joan Macleod, Jeanie Townsend, Linda Walsh, Charlton Wilbur, Nancy Wild, KyleAnn Williams, Becky Yoder, Claudia Tietze, Linda Walsh, and Laura Andersson (editor).

This is by no means ALL the socks, but I thought you might like to see!

Book 2, mailing 12-21-06 is $28 and $4.50 priority ship. It will be about 150 pages, with 40 patterns from 16 different designers some you know or are familar with. As well, there are helpful articles on topics such as how to use handspun in that new pattern you bought!

As before, the book will have plastic covers over cardstock covers, spiral binding to lay flat, and full color.

Pricing: Book 1, $24 and $4.50 priority ship
Book 2, $28 and $4.50 priority ship.

Special offer: if you order both books together, then you can
have free shipping (a $9 value) or 20% off book 1. Which actually the free ship deal saves you more money!

Send paypal to: drlaura@siriusknitting.com
publication date and first shipments 12/21/06 or to pay by money order please contact me for info

we're also working on gift cards in case you want to send something
special to let your loved one know their book is coming.


please note: anyone who has one of the 100 numbered copies of Bk 1 has
the option to receive that same number for book 2

Don't forget to mention your ordering through my blog post in the comment section to receive a small gift with your order! and will also be placed into a special raffle for the upcoming New Year! Please note that drawing(s) & odds of winning depending on amount of entries

BONUS
For continued online support for both Book one & two join us
on the Friendly Socks Group KALS, contests, prizes, etc....Hope to see some of you join!
Remember key word here being Friendly!

Crystal Palace Bamboozle Review

each skein is 55% Bamboo, 24% Cotton, & 21% Elastic Nylon. 4-5sts/inch (16-20sts/10cm, 8-10 needles (5-6mm) 90yds/50gr
Handwash or machine wash, gentle cycle, dry flat. Due to elastic content use 1 size larger needle than you might expect to use.

Great for knitting all kinds of stuff, sweaters, afghans, hats, mitts, vests, jackets, and especially don't forget Socks!

I thoroughly enjoyed knitting with this yarn and many others, I have had the pleasure. I especially love the high content of bamboo and with the perfect amount of elasticity. So soft and cozy and actually warm too! Just a tad splitty at beginning but this is not at all a problem once you've started with your knitting. It's not a high/tighter twisted type yarn, which also accounts to it's extra suitable softness which we all love.

I only used 83 grams out of 150 grams of yarn with a 9-10" leg per sock


Generous leftovers 70gr! With 1 additional sk in the pink and there'd enough for 1 pair adult size and 1 pair child size socks or enough leftovers for another small project so nothing is wasted.

Here I used US 3 needles cast on 48 sts & US 2 for heel & foot for US size 8 socks
for a gauge of 8sts/inch
Using 3 new colors to test with. An Ann Norling Pattern #12A in a Pebble Rib

inside

outside

Look they put my socks up on their website here

I give this yarn a 2 thumbs up for sure! ;o))

Yarn PrOn Friday!

Yarn just speaks for itself

Noro Kureyon #166

What more can I say...


Just another lonely skein of pretty colors....right into the stash mobile.....

Crystal Palace New Yarn

Coming soon Bamboozle New colors for the Spring 2007.. They are absolutely gorgeous! This scan on a sock in progress does them no justice..



I'm using 3 colorways for this one in Crystal Pink #0205, Painted Iris #9800 & Powder Blue #2201
It's joy to knit with so very soft and a WHOPPING High percent 55% Bamboo!! 24% Cotton & 21% elastic nylon. Great for those who want to use a non-animal yarn for a nice fabric and did I mention so very silky soft and nice wearing socks!
Huge Thank You for everyone over at Crystal Palace for bringing this wonderful new addition to all of us!



wait to I scan and show you the Gorgeous New Panda Cotton!!!

Boat, Icky Dough N Cookies!!

We were going to my cousins to help frame and shrink wrap the boat yesterday and I was baking a huge batch of Nestles chocolate chip cookies to take with us...Had to run to the store in the morning quickly and picked up a small box of baking soda.

Now who doesn't eat batter when making cookies?

I had cookies in the oven and eating batter while they were baking the kids were so good waiting patiently for those nice warm gooey cookies to be done.

So I thought the batter tasted a little funny, then had some more thinking well I did brush my teeth, so eat some more.....Then it still tasted funny to me!!! ewwww! Now I'm feeling a it ill. hmmm ok I'll rinse my mouth and try some more... ewwwww! Ick! No nothing is wrong, I can't small very well since it's only been a couple months of so since the sinus surgery...eww What is it!! Immediately check all my ingredients for expiration dates, you know eggs, vanilla, flour sugar everything.. Last but not least I find the small box of baking soda thinking no way just bought!
Well guess what??? Look!!!

Not it's not expired but it's same color box and it's Cat Litter Deodorizer with baking soda & fragrance... Checked the box what in the world in is this crap???!! No listed ingredients anywhere on the package at all!! I do know from soap making & science education that the baking soda should be listed as sodium bicardonate
Gezz they do have an '800' number listed.. call it to see what the ingredients are.. Well not open only during business hours during the week but in case of immediate medical information is needed call this '888' number.. Ok call that number I know from fragrance as essential oil not fragrance can be safe but some are certainly not. I didn't panic though I knew I'd just feel ill and it's go away eventually not harmful but more curious as to what is in this stuff!!... Someone did answer and they have no clue as to whats in it because it's not listed on the package!
They are contracted to answer calls for several companies not just Arm & Hammer and don't no whats in the products... Thats no to comforting to know....

Needless to say It was quite disappointing, tossed remaining batter & cooked cookies in the trash. Explained to the kids what happened and my DS was more concerned about me then the cookies, how sweet, I reassured him I'd be just fine not to worry and lets continue on with our day... Appartently I was told the house smelled good!! HA!HA!!

Some good news I didn't let the kids eat the cookies or any batter!!! So I saved them from being ill!

Off to the boat we go..
They couldn't believe it was me who did something like this.. SO not in my character at all!! So all day everyone checked their food to make sure I didn't try to poison anyway, then the guys insisted on take out for dinner.. heehee hee

Worked out perfectly no cooking all day...DH thinks something is wrong with me. Well yeah!! I'm not getting enough oxygen to my brain everyday, so forgive me! (recently I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and am waiting for machines to arrive shortly)As soon as I did eat I felt even more ill some headache other then that I'll be fine...It's this odd taste that has been lingering on persistently thats annoying!


Now the boat is all framed & wrapped, you just know

the snow and cold weather isn't to far away..

Crystal Palace's Bunny Hop Yarn

This yarn is so very soft with 20% angora!! I love it! I used Seascape & Limeade for cuffs, heels & toes. I absolutely enjoyed knitting with this yarn 1000% It's not the normal acrylic blends so much better with it's unique blend of mirco acrylic and micro nylon. A much better yarn IMHO!

close of up heel.

These are a great addition to anyone's socks and with the higher percentage of rabbit angora it'll sure keep the coldest feet warm!

coming soon for your viewing pleasure ~ some socks with Bamboozle & Panda Cotton some lovely vibrant colors too! Just incredible!

Yarn Pron Friday!

I didn't want to disappoint anyone..

all the pretty colors!

I'm so in love with this colorway.. It's Noro Silk Garden #224

Sick Child!

Well I've been so behind on emails and blogging.. Last week my son just dropped on the floor and out cold?? He scared the begeggs out of me!! He had a fever over just all of a sudden no warning, no symptoms, fine one minute and the next total larthargic and not responding.. I rushed him up to the hospital of course, not thinking of anything else the poor little guy hasn't been ill or feverish in 5 years since he was an infant..
After several tests , they found he has pneumonia (both lungs) Never in a million years would we have known and he's also asthmatic and hasn't had a flare up of it for a few weeks.. Must've been the quiet before the storm.. So the past 5 or 6 days has been a bit crazy I did manage to finish more socks...

Here's a picture of my latest design


and a little closer view but not the whole pattern just a sneak peak..

this pattern will be included in the up coming book..

ohhh Look New STR Club Kit!

This New colorway is Pink Granite. They just keep out doing themselves. This one is definately a special one for sure!

Look it's like marble & granite such beauty

tones of creams/pinks


& the slate appears to marble beautifully together

see how it knits up. This is the pattern for it I think it's perfect called 'Marble Arches' with faux cables design

Ever lose a Dear Pet!?

I had a faithful dog until just before Christmas I had to put her down because she was very jealous of my first born child, she started attacking her. So when my daughter was 8 months old that was it. The vet said she was getting old and her jealous outbursts are causing her or will cause cause medical issues. So the decision was made we had to say good-bye to our dear family pet. She was like my baby growing up and about to turn 14 years old. The Vet did say she could live another 4-5 years but don't' take the chance because of the safety of the baby and the risk of causing a problem for the dog.

I stayed with her for hours after the injection was given. Drove her to the pet cemetery on my lap in a snow storm to say another good-bye.
It's been 18 years since I lost my beloved trusting friend who was like my baby. I miss her dearly~the reason for the story. I seen on one of my groups someone posted about this beautiful poem about Rainbow Bridge and I'd love to share it with all of you. (click here) Have some tissues ready!

Til this day I never got another dog but my daughter did get a kitty 8 years ago. Still I'd like to get another dog sometime in the future. When is a right time? One never knows

but in the meantime we just love the kitty......of course when shes in the mood for some lovin & attention... There's nothing like a family dog.....

New Book Sneak Preview & Raffle!

Friendly Sock Compilation, Vol II: A-Z and more

Designers: Debra Barker, Debra Chinn, Michelle Fischer,
Bonnie Franz, Kathy Nehrenz, Joan Macleod, Jeanie Townsend, Linda Walsh, Charlton Wilbur, Nancy Wild, KyleAnn Williams, Becky Yoder, Claudia Tietze, Linda Walsh, and Laura Andersson (editor).

This is by no means ALL the socks, but I thought you might like to see!

Book 2, mailing 12-21-06 is $28 and $4.50 priority ship. It will be about 150 pages, with 38 patterns from 16 different designers some you know or are familar with. As well, there are helpful articles on topics such as how to use handspun in that new pattern you bought!

As before, the book will have plastic covers over cardstock covers, spiral binding to lay flat, and full color.

Pricing: Book 1, $24 and $4.50 priority ship
Book 2, $28 and $4.50 priority ship.

Special offer: if you order both books together, then you can
have free shipping (a $9 value) or 20% off book 1. Which actually the free ship deal saves you more money!

Send paypal to: drlaura@siriusknitting.com
publication date and first shipments 12/21/06 or to pay by money order please contact me for info

we're also working on gift cards in case you want to send something
special to let your loved one know their book is coming.


please note: anyone who has one of the 100 numbered copies of Bk 1 has
the option to receive that same number for book 2

Don't forget to mention your ordering through my blog post in the comment section to receive a small gift with your order! and will also be placed into a special raffle for the upcoming New Year! Please note that drawing(s) & odds of winning depending on amount of entries

My Yummy Nutty Praline Pancakes!

Well if you like pancakes I hope you'll have a chance to try mine!
yes there rich, filling and very yummy!!
I have all kinds of variations of this but put this one up for tests and everyone who comes by our house on a weekend morning has to try at least one pancake.....lol
When we used to go camping I made breakfast and of course always my recesses pancakes and peanut butter were at the top of the list..
I hope you enjoy as much as our family & friends do!
Please stop over to the Tea Chef and vote if you like my recipe!
Thanks!

The Recipe~

Nutty Pancakes


a great gourmet nutty pancake with praline syrup

Prep Time: 10mins prep to 30-45 minutes cooking
Serving Size: 8-12

Ingredients
a 32 oz box buttermilk pancake mix
1/2 18 ox jar peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)
2 cups very strong brewed Li Zi Nutcracker tea
1/2 cup milk (optional)
3 TBS granulated sugar

optional:

top with
butter
praline syrup
sprinkle powdered sugar

Directions
mix well pancake batter, peanut butter, brewed tea, sugar, milk if desired adding little bits of water until a creamy brownie like batter consistency
for thicker fluffier pancakes use a little less water and for thinner pancakes use a little more

ladle onto lightly sprayed griddle cook until golden brown flip over until golden brown serve warm with praline syrup or your favorite topping.

Lightly dust with powered sugar if desired


If you don't eat as much they do freeze very well in bags so later you can take out a microwave 1, 2 or however many you like at a time. I sometimes make a couple batches at once and freeze the whole month